DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women’s lacrosse head coach Kerstin Kimel welcomed the addition of 11 players to the Blue Devil program this fall, with 10 freshmen and one transfer student joining the squad for the 2014 campaign.

Check back to GoDuke.com throughout the coming months for profiles on each of the incoming Blue Devils, and be sure to follow the team all year on Twitter and Facebook.

Prior to Duke: A well-recognized player in the Midwest region and on the national scene, Montagne was twice tabbed an All-American by US Lacrosse and collected Midwest Under Armour Underclassman All-America honors. She participated in the Champion All-American Showcase over the summer, leading her team to the championship game. Montagne was also an All-American honorable mention selection as a sophomore and was twice named to the Chicago Metro National squad.

When did you start playing lacrosse?IM: I started playing lacrosse in the summer before freshman year, and I was horrible! My stick skills were pretty much nonexistent and my passes caused fear for a lot of my teammates. However, I was able to pull from my basketball background and play solid defense and the skills came later. I think that starting lacrosse presented a new challenge for me, and I continually wanted to improve because the sport seemed so fun and interesting. I’m glad that I was able to stick with lacrosse, especially in my early days, because it has opened so many doors for me.

Why did you choose Duke?IM: I fell in love with Duke when I came to my first lacrosse camp the summer after my freshman year. I never imagined I would actually be able to play for such a great lacrosse program with phenomenal coaches and attend a school with such a high academic reputation. I felt as though Duke is the best fit for me, and the environment comfortable yet exciting!

What is your favorite lacrosse memory?IM: My best lacrosse memory was definitely making varsity lacrosse my freshmen year. I was able to play with and against the best players in the state and learn from them.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life and why?IM: Definitely my family. My parents have been so supportive and have always been my biggest fans. They continually push me to be my best, and have given me so many opportunities to pursue my passions. My sister, Maryl, is my role model and has shown me how to work hard and play hard. And my brother, Mac, has been one of my lacrosse idols.

Quick Hitters:Favorite athlete: Roger FedererHobbies: Waterskiing and wakeboardingFavorite movie: She’s the Man or Legally BlondeFavorite TV show: Keeping up with the KardashiansFavorite book: A Walk to RememberFavorite musician: BeyonceWhat do you plan to major in? As of now, I am undecided, but during my senior year I really enjoyed my political science class. I’m looking forward to exploring political science and public policy classes.Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? I don’t have any superstitions, but I definitely always have to listen to some music before games and dance out the nerves.If you were to play another sport, what would it be? TennisInteresting fact about yourself or hidden talent: I was born in Texas and I was a serious dancer ballet and tap dancer growing up.Best advice you’ve received: My mom always says, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.”Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Doing something I love, and being happy and healthy.

To be a part of the Duke women’s lacrosse program is … a dream come true.